Rotel DX-3 Introduced – Rotel’s First Headphone Amplifier
11.03.2025 07:25 | ~2 minutes read
For the first time in its 60-year history, Rotel has released a headphone amplifier – the model is called Rotel DX-3 and will be available at the end of March 2025 for $1,499 / €1,499. The amplifier can operate with a wired connection of headphones, both in analog and digital versions (there is an unbalanced 6.35 mm jack on board, as well as a Pentaconn 4.4 mm for a balanced connection).
Rotel DX-3 is recommended for use with headphones with an impedance of 16 Ω - 300 Ω. The performance characteristics of the new product are quite impressive – the output impedance with a balanced connection is no higher than 0.6 Ω, the channel separation is 86 dB, the output sensitivity is 1.2 V, and the distortion via XLR does not exceed 0.004%.
The Rotel DX-3 amplifier can also be used with wireless headphones thanks to the presence of a Bluetooth module with support for the AAC / aptX HD codecs. The digital stream is processed by an eight-channel ESS Sabre ES9028PRO DAC chip from ESS Technology, which allows decoding PCM up to 32 bit / 384 kHz and DSD up to DSD256. Maximum resolution can be achieved via the USB-B input. The coaxial and optical inputs support resolutions up to 24 bit / 192 kHz. Volume control is possible in 0.5 dB increments using the fully differential analog NJW1195A regulator.
The Rotel DX-3 can be connected to a power amplifier or to active speakers, for which analog outputs are provided - unbalanced on RCA connectors and balanced on XLR. The Rotel DX-3 headphone amplifier is equipped with a power supply with a toroidal transformer of Rotel's own design and manufacture. Analog and digital circuits use separate power lines.
Specifications
This product is in the Hi-Fi and High End Electronics and Acoustics database
Headphones amplifiers — Rotel DX-3
Model name
DX-3
Maximum Power, 32 Ohms (mW RMS per channel)
383
Maximum Power, 50 Ohms (mW RMS per channel)
N/A
Maximum Power, 300 Ohms (mW RMS per channel)
41
Maximum Power, 600 Ohms (mW RMS per channel)
N/A
Frequency response low +/- 3dB (Hz)
20
Frequency response high +/- 3dB (Hz)
20000
Gain (dBu)
0 dB @ G=H / -6 dB @ G=M / -12 dB @ G=L
THD (% at 1V RMS, 300 ohms)
0.008 - 0.004
Signal to Noise Ratio (dB)
100 - 110
IMD (%, CCIR, 300 Ohms)
0.01 - 0.006
Crosstalk (dB, 20Hz-20KHz, 300 Ohms)
N/A
Output Impedance (Ohms)
100 - 200
Dimensions (mm)
215 x 76 x 247
Weight (kg)
N/A
Official link
More content
Pure Audio Classic Aura – Wireless Speaker with Backlight
Pure Audio has introduced the portable wireless audio system Classic Aura – the model is decorated in a retro design and is equipped with a system of ten backlight options for various genres and usage scenarios.
German Physiks Emperor Preamplifier – Now with a Frequency Response from 0.5 Hz to 95 kHz
The German Physiks Emperor Preamplifier is a reference preamplifier equipped with three balanced and three RCA inputs. The model is based on a fully balanced circuit and guarantees the widest bandwidth from 0.5 to 95,000 Hz with a minimum noise level of 0.001%.
Velodyne – “I Want to Paint Everything White”
Velodyne Acoustics has introduced an update to its subwoofer lineup – now the Velodyne Deep Blue, Velodyne Impact X, Velodyne VI-Q series and the Velodyne MiniVee X, Velodyne MicroVee X models are available for purchase in a stylish snow-white finish.
Bose SoundLink Home Wireless Speaker Will Cost $229
Bose has unveiled a new wireless speaker, the SoundLink Home, which promises “crisp, clear sound with enough bass to fill any room.” The Bose SoundLink Home offers up to 9 hours of battery life, Bluetooth 5.3 support, and a USB-C 0 audio input, so what? A wired connection to a smartphone, tablet, or laptop is also possible.
in-akustik Releases New Master Tapes Recorded on Studer A80
in-akustik has announced new R2R Master Tape releases (each reel is available in Start, Standard and Studio versions). The tapes are recorded individually in real time on Studer A80 studio tape recorders.
